Fin's Fish Guide
The Anchovy (Thryssa setirostris) is a brackish-water fish of the family Engraulidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Indo-West Pacific (Gulf of Oman to South Africa); coastal waters and estuaries.
Description
The longjaw thryssa is an anchovy (Engraulidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a slender, silvery body and is striking for a very long upper jaw reaching far behind the head, to which the name refers. It is a marine, pelagic schooling fish that stays close inshore and enters bays and estuaries. With its fine gill rakers it filters small zooplankton from the water. It is a prey fish for larger predators and is fished locally. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Anchovy?
The Anchovy has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very long upper jaw extending far behind the head; filter-feeding coastal schooling fish.
Where does the Anchovy live?
The Anchovy lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific (Gulf of Oman to South Africa); coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Anchovy get?
The Anchovy grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Anchovy dangerous to humans?
No, the Anchovy is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Anchovy edible?
Yes, the Anchovy is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Thryssa
More from the family Engraulidae
Want the complete picture on the Anchovy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Anchovy is one of 12,519 species in the app.